Alexander H. COCHRAN, who has been actively and successfully identified with the farming and stock-raising interests of Taylor county for more than a quarter of a century, is now the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 27, Platte township, where he makes his home. His occurred in Ireland in 1837, his parents being Alexander and Elizabeth (HENRY) COCHRAN, both of whom natives of that country. In the year 1850 they crossed the Atlantic to the United States, settling near Quincy, Adams county, Illinois, where the father opened up a new farm and reared his family.

Alexander H. COCHRAN, who was a lad of thirteen years when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the new world, grew to manhood in Adams county, Illinois, and on the 6th of June, 1861, was united marriage to Miss Nancy POWELL, a native of that place. In 1864 he removed to Hancock county, Illinois, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres on which a few improvements had been made, devoting time and energies to its further development and improvement until 1883, when he disposed of the property and came to Taylor county, Iowa. Here he bought one hundred and sixty acres of partially improved land in Grove township, near Lenox, and gave his attention to its cultivation for about eighteen years, at the end of which time he sold the place. Subsequently he purchased a farm of eighty acres in Platte township, on which he resided for six years, bringing the fields under a high state of development and improvement. He then leased the property and made his home in Lenox for two years, on the expiration of which period he returned to his farm, residing thereon until he sold the place in 1905. He next bought the farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 27, Platte township [Taylor Co.], on which he now resides and the many substantial improvements on the property stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. In addition to his work as an agriculturist he also raises and feeds stock to some making a specialty of hogs. In all of his undertakings he has won that measure of success which is ever the reward of earnest, persistent and well directed labor and he is entitled to representation among the substantial and respected citizens of the county.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. COCHRAN were born nine children, as follows: Joseph, who follows farming in Ringgold county, Iowa; Harry, who married Josie CABBAGE and resides upon and operated the home farm for his father; Mary, the wife of George DAY, of Oregon; Tilla, the wife William SHORT, an agriculturist of this county; Anna, the wife of John EDWARDS, of Lenox; Emma, who is the wife of Luther HURLEY, of Lenox; Addie, who died at the age of eighteen years; Nellie, who passed away when about eight years old; and Alexander H., Jr., who died in infancy. The wife and mother was called to her final rest on the 18th of March, 1908, passing away in the faith of the Presbyterian church. Her remains were interred in Grove Center cemetery.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. COCHRAN has given his political allegiance to the republican party but has never desired the honors and emoluments of office, preferring to devote his undivided attention to his business affairs. He is a devoted and consistent member of the Presbyterian church, exemplifying its teachings in his daily life. The period of his residence in this county now covers more than a quarter of a century and he has seen a wonderful transformation as pioneer conditions have been replaced by all the evidences of an advanced civilization. Moreover, he has not only been an interested witness but also an active participant in the work of improvement and upbuilding, having developed three farms in Taylor county. He has now passed the seventy-second milestone on life's journey and is well known and highly esteemed throughout the community as an upright and honorable citizen.

SOURCE:  CROSSON, Frank E. History of Taylor County, Iowa: From The Earliest Historic Times to 1910  Pp. 272 - 275. S.J. Clarke Pub. Chicago. 1910.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, 2008